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Christmas and New Year message from ACT Director Jonathan Harrison

23 Dec 2025

An end of year message from Jonathan Harrison, Director of the ACT.
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Scottish Government urged to cut business rates for indie retailers

11 Dec 2025

ACT parent company Bira has called on the Scottish Government to follow Wales's example and introduce genuine business rates reductions for retail premises ahead of the Scottish Budget on 13... Read more…

Independent retailers to see rates bills soar by up to 15% despite government's "transformation" promises

2 Dec 2025

Independent retailers across the UK are facing business rates increases of up to 15% next year despite government promises of the "lowest tax rates since 1991", ACT parent company Bira has... Read more…

UK's E-Bike Positive campaign to be adopted by the BA & ACT

1 Dec 2025

As of Thursday 1st January 2026, the E-Bike Positive campaign will fall under the joint guardianship of the Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT).
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Cycle to work scheme escapes cap but ACT warns Budget fails cycle retailers on business rates and imports

26 Nov 2025

The ACT has welcomed the Government's decision not to impose a cap on the cycle to work scheme, calling it "common sense prevailing" after weeks of speculation threatened a vital sales tool for... Read more…

Independent retailers reject Black Friday as three-quarters refuse to participate

24 Nov 2025

More than three-quarters of independent retailers, including some of those in the cycling retail sector, are boycotting Black Friday this year, rejecting pressure... Read more…

Stop being a dumping ground for used e-bike batteries

11 Nov 2025

Used e-bike batteries are piling up because too many suppliers are failing to meet their legal obligations and it’s time to stop being polite about it, writes ACT Director Jonathan... Read more…

Independent retailers urge Chancellor - Boost business confidence or risk killing growth before it starts

7 Nov 2025

Britain's independent retailers, including those in the cycling retail sector, are calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to use the autumn budget to restore... Read more…

Independent retailers report worsening retail crime crisis as confidence in police response

17 Oct 2025

A shocking 83% of independent retailers say theft has worsened over the past year, whilst the vast majority of crimes now go unreported due to lack of police response, according to ACT parent... Read more…

ACT member gains coverage in local media thanks to focus on maintaining independent cycling retail presence

14 Oct 2025

ACT member Cyclo Monster has been recognised by local media for its commitment to keeping Derby’s cycling scene independent, community-focused and thriving.
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Upskill your team with Microsoft online courses through Activate Learning

Posted on in Business News, Cycles News

ACT’s Cytech delivery partner Activate Learning, of which Activate Cycle Academy is a part, is offering FREE online Microsoft accredited online courses for employers to enable their staff to upskill in a particular digital topic.

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Activate Learning has been successful in securing funding from the Department for Education to deliver these courses free for local businesses in Berkshire, North Hampshire, Oxfordshire and Surrey, although employees taking part do not need to be based in these areas. There are no limits to the number of courses or the number of employees that can sign up and they're available until the end of March 2023.

The courses are studied remotely by your employee through the Microsoft Learn portal and take on average 30 hours to complete. All learners are supported by a Digital Coach throughout.

There are six Microsoft Accreditation courses available free of charge, each tailored to meet the needs of local employers. They are:

AI FUNDAMENTALS - Concepts related to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how Microsoft Azure can create solutions.

CLOUD COMPUTING FUNDAMENTALS - Cloud computing is the delivery of services to offer faster, innovative and flexible resources.

CLOUD SECURITY FUNDAMENTALS - The fundamentals of security, compliance, and identity (SCI) across cloud-based services.

DATA FUNDAMENTALS - Identify and describe core data concepts and implement with Microsoft Azure.

DYNAMICS 365 FUNDAMENTALS - Develop effective systems to manage customer interaction.

POWER PLATFORM FUNDAMENTALS - Create simple Power Apps, connect data, and build a chatbot.

For more information, click here.

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